The suspension means that Ingram's first game in 2018 won't come until October, when the Saints host the Redskins for a "Monday Night Football" showdown.

Along with Ingram, Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict, Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis, Chargers defensive tackle Corey Liuget, Raiders offensive lineman Vader Alexander and free agent quarterback Mark Sanchez are also facing four-game suspensions to open the 2018 season. The biggest game on the schedule Ingram will have to sit out will be the September 23 trip to play against the Atlanta Falcons, a division game and the Saints biggest rival.

"Ingram is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games". He had his first career 1,000-yard season in 2016 and followed that up with another one in 2017. His finest campaign came past year, when Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara became the first backfield tandem to each eclipse the 1,500-yard mark with scrimmage yards. However, it was expected to remain a 1A/1B situation after that worked out so well past year for the NFC South champions. The 2017 NFL Rookie of the Year, he carried the ball 120 times for 728 yards and 8 touchdowns. The Saints also have a more experienced backup, Jonathan Williams, on the roster. So that competition will be worth monitoring this summer. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft and has remained with the team ever since.

Ingram formed one half of the New Orleans backfield last season with rookie Alvin Kamara, combining to produce some of the best numbers in the NFL. He has rushed for 5,362 yards and 44 touchdowns while adding 207 catches and four more scores.